Guide to the most Instagrammable coffee shops in Manhattan. An aesthetic road trip for creators
March in New York is unpredictable. The city is already filled with soft «cinematic» light. For those hunting for aesthetic shots, this is the perfect season - if you plan your route and don’t forget about comfort.
We’ve put together a guide to three spots with completely different moods: the fairy-tale Alice’s Tea Cup, the bold Pietro Nolita, and the floral oasis Remi Flower & Coffee.
1. Alice’s Tea Cup: a jump down the rabbit hole on the Upper West Side
Start your morning where time seems to have stopped in Victorian England. Sisters Haley and Lauren Fox opened Alice’s Tea Cup in 2001, creating not just a café but a portal into the world of Lewis Carroll.
Aesthetic highlights at Alice’s Tea Cup
The interior is filled with antique frames, hat-shaped lamps, and patchwork tables made from old sewing machines.
- Top shot: Order the «Mad Hatter» set for $80 - $100 for two. The three-tier dessert stand, pastel tableware, and signature scones with cream look luxurious on camera.
- Light: The ideal time is from 9:00 to 12:00. Morning sunlight softly illuminates the stained-glass windows, creating golden highlights without harsh shadows.
- Style: Choose light, watercolor tones. A white dress or a soft blue sweater will perfectly match the «fairy-tale» background.
- Parking: To avoid wasting time searching for street parking, leave your car at Icon Parking at 727 Columbus Ave. It’s a secure garage just a one-minute walk from Alice’s Tea Cup. The cost ranges from $15 to $30 per hour.
Drivo’s advice. For a trip around the Upper West Side, a maneuverable and economical sedan works best. In the Drivo fleet, you can choose reliable models like the Nissan Altima or Hyundai Elantra. They are much easier to handle in dense city traffic and simpler to park for a short stop. If you’re traveling with a group, consider spacious minivans such as the Chrysler Pacifica - there’s plenty of room for tripods and suitcases full of outfits.
The most convenient starting point for this route is the office in Downtown Brooklyn (DUMBO) at 106 York Street. The location sits right by the bridges leading into Manhattan, so you’ll reach the Upper West Side in about 20-40 minutes after departure.
2. Pietro Nolita: a pink manifesto in the heart of Nolita
Now we head south. If Alice’s is cozy, Pietro Nolita is a visual explosion. Founded by Pietro Quaglia (formerly of Dolce & Gabbana), this location has become a symbol of radical pink design.
Aesthetic highlights at Pietro Nolita
Everything here is pink: from the façade with its neon sign to the marble tables and bar stools in Memphis-inspired pastel design.
- Top shot: The famous pink bench outside the entrance is a must. Inside, capture angles with geometric wall patterns and the pink chandelier.
- Light: It’s best to come during the «golden hour» (16:30 - 18:00) or on an overcast March day. Diffused light prevents the pink color from «blowing out» in photos and preserves its depth.
- Style: Pop-art pastels (mint, lavender) or full contrast - an all-black or all-white outfit.
- Parking: Street parking in Nolita is difficult, so use Icon Parking at 236 Mulberry St.
Drivo’s advice. At bold Pietro Nolita, you need something equally striking. A Lamborghini Urus or a matte Mercedes G63 AMG will set the right vibe even before you step out of the car.
3. Remi Flower & Coffee: Midtown’s floral oasis
We finish the route in Midtown East. Remi is a unique hybrid of a floral boutique and a coffee shop.
Aesthetic highlights at Remi Flower & Coffee
You drink coffee literally surrounded by fresh bouquets. In March, seasonal spring flowers like tulips and mimosa are usually already available.
- Top shot: A close-up of a lavender or pink latte against a flower wall. The drinks are decorated with edible petals, making them perfect for macro photography.
- Light: Natural daylight coming through the windows provides soft lighting for close-up coffee shots.
- Style: Natural fabrics, olive or beige shades, and floral prints.
- Parking: The garage at 220 E 81st St is about a 20-minute walk away.
Drivo’s advice. For the final stop in Midtown, a standard crossover works perfectly, such as the Chevrolet Traverse or Hyundai Tucson. There’s enough space in a car like this to change into a cozy, casual outfit before the last shots and neatly store all the bouquets and equipment you’ve bought.
Why Drivo is the professional’s choice
Many people make the mistake of relying on taxis or the subway. Here are the straightforward reasons why renting a car wins:
- A wardrobe on wheels: March in New York is cold. In a Drivo car, you can store up to five different outfits and change comfortably in the warmth without using public restrooms.
- Equipment safety: Professional lighting, tripods, and spare lenses stay secure and within reach instead of being carried in a backpack.
- Timing: You control the route yourself. If there’s a line at Pietro Nolita, you simply move on instead of waiting for a taxi pickup.
Location quick card
| Coffee Shop | Address | Highlight | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alice’s Tea Cup | 102 W 73rd St | Fairy tale, vintage | $25 - $50 |
| Pietro Nolita | 174 Elizabeth St | Total pink aesthetic | $40 - $60 |
| Remi Flower | 906 2nd Ave | Flowers and coffee | $10 - $20 |
Your next step
New York is waiting for your shots. To make the route perfect, book your car in advance. The nearest pickup location is Downtown Brooklyn (106 York St) or directly at LGA airport if you’ve just arrived.
See you!
tips, straight to your inbox
